Cal Crutchlow's MotoGP Laguna Seca slump a one-off, says Tech 3

Crutchlow had his worse race of the year in America, qualifying fifth and finishing seventh.

He had taken four front row starts and four podium finishes in the preceding eight rounds.

Poncharal played down the effect of Crutchlow's crash in final practice and said the Tech 3 Yamaha had just not been on the pace.

"Cal might have lost come confidence when he crashed in FP4 but he has found it difficult all weekend," said Poncharal.

"He never gave up and kept on pushing and he still got some important points for the championship.

"And we can't be too disappointed because Cal has been outstanding in the first half of the season and produced some of the best races we have seen in our MotoGP history."

Crutchlow said he took some consolation from having taken a sensible finish in a race where previously he might have pushed too hard.

"In all honesty I never got comfortable with the bike at any stage here," he said.

"Maybe last year in the same situation I would have pushed and not finished, so that is one positive we can take from what was a tough weekend and it certainly isn't how I wanted to go into the summer break.

"Right from the start of the race I was on the limit and couldn't go any faster. I got beat fair and square and the three on the podium definitely deserved it."